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Difficulty: MediumAnalytical Decision Making and Criteria Selection

The State Rural Development Authority evaluates proposals for the "Smart Village Initiative" based on specific criteria. As of 1st July 2026, to be eligible, a village must:
1. Have a population of at least 5,000.
2. Have achieved 100% household electrification.
3. Possess a functional primary healthcare center (PHC) staffed with a permanent doctor.
4. Have a recorded literacy rate of not less than 80%.

However, if a village satisfies all the above criteria EXCEPT:
(I) criterion 1, but covers a geographical area of more than 50 sq. km, the proposal should be referred to the District Collector.
(II) criterion 2, but has an active solar micro-grid project, the proposal should be referred to the Renewable Energy Board.
(III) criterion 4, but has shown an improvement of at least 10 percentage points in literacy over the past 3 years, it is to be granted "Provisional Status".

Consider the following village proposals reviewed on 14th August 2026:
- Village Malpur: Population is 4,100; Area is 58 sq. km; 100% household electrification; has a functional PHC with a permanent doctor; literacy rate is 84%.
- Village Sitapur: Population is 6,500; Area is 45 sq. km; 92% household electrification but has an active solar micro-grid; has a functional PHC with only a visiting doctor (no permanent doctor); literacy rate is 82%.
- Village Devgarh: Population is 5,400; Area is 35 sq. km; 100% household electrification; has a functional PHC with a permanent doctor; current literacy rate is 74%, which increased from 62% three years ago.

Based on the rules provided, which of the following administrative decisions are correct?

  1. The proposal for Village Malpur should be referred to the District Collector.Answer
  2. B
    The proposal for Village Sitapur should be referred to the Renewable Energy Board.
  3. The proposal for Village Devgarh should be granted Provisional Status.Answer
  4. D
    Punitive measures should be taken against Village Sitapur for failing to staff a permanent doctor.

Answer

The correct decisions are to refer Village Malpur's proposal to the District Collector and to grant Village Devgarh Provisional Status.
Based on the rules, Village Malpur strictly falls under the referral condition for a population deficit because it meets the area exception and all other criteria. Village Devgarh strictly falls under the provisional status condition for a literacy deficit because it showed sufficient improvement and met all other criteria.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Village Malpur against the primary criteria and exceptions.
Fails criterion 1 (population 4,100 < 5,000) but meets exception (I) (area 58 sq. km > 50 sq. km). Passes criteria 2, 3, and 4.
To determine the final administrative action for Malpur.
2
Evaluate Village Sitapur against the primary criteria and exceptions.
Fails criterion 2 (92% electrification) and criterion 3 (no permanent doctor). Although it has a solar micro-grid, the exception cannot be applied because not all other criteria are met.
To determine if Sitapur qualifies for an exception or must be rejected.
3
Evaluate Village Devgarh against the primary criteria and exceptions.
Fails criterion 4 (literacy 74% < 80%) but meets exception (III) (12 percentage point improvement from 62% over 3 years). Passes criteria 1, 2, and 3.
To determine the final administrative action for Devgarh.

Key Concept

Applying conditional logic and managing multiple constraints to make rule-based administrative decisions.
Estimated Time:2m 0s
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Topics

Analytical Decision Making and Criteria Selection

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